TicketsApril 1, 2011
CINCINNATI - University of Cincinnati runner Eric Finan set a school record in the 10,000 meters to lead the Bearcats on the day one of the Oliver Nikoloff Open track and field meet at the University of Cincinnati's Gettler Stadium.
Opening day competition in the multi-events as well as the javelin throw and 10,000-meter runs took place in the university division while the high school division had a range of events in the afternoon.
In the men's competition, Finan bested the field by nearly two minutes to win the 10,000-meter run in 29:37.29 and set a school record. It was the first-ever sub-30-minute time run at UC. Brian Zimmerman, in his first competition since shoulder surgery, is third in the javelin with a 54.77-meter throw. The Bearcats' decathletes, Kyle Kubera and Nick Furney, are third and fourth, respectively, after five events.
"We're off to a good start," said men's head coach Bill Schnier. "Eric had a record-setting performance and Brian hasn't thrown for a year, so I was very happy with how he did. I feel pretty good about our marks in the decathlon."
On the women's side, the day was highlighted for UC by Michele McKenney's personal-best time of 36:58.81 to win the women's 10,000 meters. The Bearcats women also have two competitors - Kaitlyn Good and CharAnna Dixon - in second- and third-place respectively after four events in the heptathlon.
"We're really happy with how the meet went for the first day," said UC women's head coach Susan Seaton. "Michelle had a PR in the 10k and qualified for BIG EAST meet. Mary (Bridges) had a PR in the javelin and finished fifth. In the multis, I felt we had a very solid day."
Day Two of the Oliver Nikoloff Open will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday in Gettler Stadium. Events in both the university and high school divisions will take place through the day, culminating in the 4x400-meter relays at 6 p.m.